candidanimal

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

What did I Buy In Ireland

I spent 10 days in Ireland as part of a long work trip. As usual, I barely had time to shop while I was working. But this time, I made a point of staying one extra day in Dublin just to shop before my flight home. Here’s what I picked up on that final day — with two exceptions: the wool blanket (I couldn’t resist the colors) came from a gift shop at the Giant’s Causeway, and a magnet from Belfast found its way into my collection.

Irish Cheese, Jams, and Crackers from a grocery store

Chocolates

Rhubard Gin

Korean BBQ Sauces from a Dublin restaurants

Wool blanket from Giant's Rock

Candles

Notebooks

A shot glass

A magnet from Belfast

Sunday, February 9, 2025

Winter date nights

I’m super proud of pulling this outfit together in just 20 minutes for a weeknight dinner reservation. It had been two years since my partner and I went out for a multi-course dinner, and I wanted to look nice — but it was freezing out.

This look is mostly Muji, paired with a thrifted Pendleton skirt, an old Celine bag, and classic Prada sunglasses. Cozy, chic, and just right for a cold night out.

Coat: Muji
Sweater: Muji
Shirt: Everlane
Skirt: Pendleton via a thrift store
Shoes: Madewell
Bag: Celine
Sunglasses: Prada

We went to Langbaan and it was amazing as expected.

Thursday, January 30, 2025

Seaside Solo Trip

Back in 2022, I took a solo trip to Seaside, Oregon, to complete my grad school application. The project felt so daunting that I needed to escape my home, if only for a night, to hunker down and finish it in a motel by the beach. Below is an excerpt from my diary that evening, paired with photos from my day:

A dreary fog and mist soaked coastal town off season. It’s been perfect.
This night alone was an agonizing decision. I longer to return to Astoria, but it is far and I was worried I would be too tempted to lurk around town instead of stay inside and work. Seaside was the perfect combination of intrigue and adventure, a place I had not been in 10+ years, barely knew, could easily drive to, could afford.

The beach was surreal today. A bright fog descended, obscuring the sky and sea and land. I stood in the middle of the three worlds, wondering where they began and ended. Two suns illuminated me: one the sky, and once in the wet reflection of the glassy mirror left behind by the receding tide.
I realized why I’m so afraid of the ocean. Because staring out into the open sea is like staring into an open door. Expecting something to come out from there, or be drawn inward. If there is an open door frame, then someone must walk through it. A ship, a wave, a storm. You get this uncanny feeling that something is out there ready to be taken in by the tide. And you’re waiting and waiting and waiting to meet it.
It was a surreal moment walking around the beach, being inside that hazy white cloud, feeling reality temporarily suspended. And then walking around Seaside, the charming, quirky, dilapidated town. The derelict Shilo-Inn looking, an old arcade, a sad Chinese restaurant. I was once replied by this town and now I am fascinated by it. It’s gloom, its decay, its mist. This was the right decision to come here. Now I just need to get work done.
— October 8, 2022

Monday, January 20, 2025

What did I buy in NYC?

I was in NYC for Climate Week for work, and while it was a whirlwind trip, I managed to squeeze in some time to explore. I visited the MoMA, strolled through SoHo and NoHo, and made it a point to stop by every single Arabica coffee shop in the city.

Shopping happened on a whim on my last day. I wandered into McNally Jackson at Rockefeller Plaza and, somehow, walked out with five books — enough to earn a free tote! Afterward, I popped into the iconic FAO Schwarz, which was absolutely bustling. Though I didn’t spot any toys for my daughter, I found her a beautiful princess dress, and she absolutely loves it. I also picked up Kinfolk at the Iconic magazine shop.

Friday, January 10, 2025

Stripes in the fall

Lately, I’ve been obsessed with a new designer: Clare V. It all started when I stumbled upon one of her dresses in a resale shop. I loved it so much that I couldn't resist exploring her new collections — and, well, let's just say it escalated from there. This is my first time stepping out in one of her dresses.

Dress: Clare V.
Bag: Aesther Ekme
Pants: Everlane
Shoes: Madewell
Sunglasses: Apercu

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

What's In My Bag? The 2024 Airplane Edition

Ever since I started traveling for work frequently after the pandemic, I’ve had the opportunity to test out many a tote for the airplane. See, it’s important that the bag holds my laptop, a book, headphones, and anything else I might need for the flight.

While I initially loved the design of Aesther Ekme’s Sac, the fact that it didn’t fit under an economy-sized seat was a deal-breaker for me. Regular canvas totes were also too floppy and open, causing my stuff to roll out. After trying out many bags, I have to say my go-to now is the Cara by the German company Agneel. It is the perfect size to hold exactly what I need.

On my recent trip to Japan, I also experimented with using the Large Park Tote by The Row as my airplane bag. It was definitely roomier and could hold more than Agneel’s Cara, so I think I’ll use it for longer international flights when I need more items. For shorter domestic flights, Agneel’s Cara will remain my go-to.

Here’s a rundown of what’s in my bag:

Bose headphones
Notebook
Monocle Magazine
Workbook
Sleep mask
Pen case
Laptop and case
Louis Vuitton wallet
Phone (not pictured)
Summer Fridays toiletries pouch, which includes:

Advil
Glasses cleaner
Glasses wipes
Ear plugs for altitude
Gum
Bonine for motion sickness
Summer Fridays eye cream, lip gloss, and moisturizer

Saturday, December 21, 2024

Seattle Cafes 2016-2024

In my mind, Seattle has a reputation for good coffee. Maybe it’s because Starbucks is from Seattle. Maybe it’s because the weather is cold and dreary like Portland – the perfect coffee weather. Maybe it’s because it’s a big city with a large international population. Or maybe it’s because all my other food and beverage experiences there have been so positive.

Whatever the reason, I had high expectations for Seattle. I asked friends for recommendations and researched extensively to find the best of the best. Over the course of many weekend trips to Seattle in the past few years, I managed to visit all of these cafes.

When I first started my quest, I was disappointed that the cafes I visited didn’t wow me. As it happens, they were all establishments that had been around for a while. But over the years, as new and interesting places cropped up, the coffee scene got better and better.

Here is the list in its entirety: the old and the new, the good and the bad. It’s certainly not every café in Seattle – not even close – but it’s a fairly accurate representation of some good options at this point in time.

Victrola, 2016